Rock Solid: Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast

Round Rock Studio

Join host Bryan Eisenberg for candid conversations with Round Rock’s most dynamic entrepreneurs and business leaders. Each week, in bite-sized 20-minute episodes, successful local business owners share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs of building thriving enterprises in our growing Texas community. Rock Solid connects you with the real stories and practical wisdom of Round Rock’s business community. From innovative startups to established companies, each episode offers valuable insights into the vibrant business ecosystem that makes Round Rock unique.

  1. 1d ago

    87. Jeff Barnett | Estate Planning Mistakes That Can Cost Your Family

    What happens to your family, home, finances, or business if you don't have an estate plan in place? On this episode of **Rock Solid: The Round Rock Business Leaders Podcast**, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with **Jeff Barnett of Barnett & Leuty** to break down estate planning in Texas—and some of the misconceptions that can create expensive problems for families. With more than 30 years of legal experience, Jeff explains why estate planning isn't only for wealthy families or older adults. In fact, he says every adult starting at age 18 should have certain essential documents in place. Bryan and Jeff discuss: * The **5 essential estate planning documents** many adults should consider * Why an **18-year-old may need a medical and durable power of attorney** * What can happen when someone **dies without a will in Texas** * Why being married doesn't automatically mean everything transfers the way you expect * When a **trust makes sense—and when it may not** * How a **Lady Bird deed** can be used in Texas estate planning * The potential problems with **DIY and online wills** * What adult children should ask their **aging parents** * Why an early dementia diagnosis doesn't necessarily mean it's too late to update estate documents * Common misconceptions surrounding Medicaid, assets, and long-term care planning * How families can build a network of trusted professionals as parents age * Why Texas probate can be different from probate in other states The conversation also goes beyond estate planning. Jeff shares his love for the arts in Round Rock, his appreciation for the city's long-term vision, and the lessons he's learned from completing **38 marathons** and coaching runners for more than 25 years. His running philosophy fits estate planning—and business—surprisingly well: success isn't always about speed. Sometimes the real superpower is stamina. If you've been putting off your will, haven't reviewed your estate plan in years, have aging parents, own a business, or have children who recently turned 18, this conversation is a great reminder to start asking the right questions. **Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency.** **Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social.** **Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.**

    87. Jeff Barnett | Estate Planning Mistakes That Can Cost Your Family

  2. Aug 12

    86. Matt Kata | Inside an MLB Career: Baseball, Mindset & Making It

    What can business leaders learn from a Major League Baseball utility player? A lot. On this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with former MLB player and Round Rock Express Hall of Famer Matt Kata to talk about the mindset that carried him from professional baseball into banking, coaching, and community leadership. Matt shares what it meant to embrace being a “Swiss Army knife” on the baseball field, why versatility and putting ego aside can create opportunities, and how those same lessons apply in business today. He also takes us inside one of baseball’s unforgettable moments: being on the field for Randy Johnson’s perfect game. Matt explains the mental battle happening as the innings passed, the mantra he used to stay present, and why controlling your self-talk matters when the pressure is at its highest. The conversation also dives deep into youth sports and coaching. Matt discusses why a coach’s impact is never neutral, what parents should look for when choosing coaches, and his ACE philosophy: Attitude. Concentration. Effort. Those are the things you can control—whether you’re playing baseball, building a business, raising kids, or navigating everyday life. Matt and Bryan also discuss relationships and character in banking, Matt’s transition into commercial lending, and the story of how baseball—and meeting his future wife—helped make Round Rock home. In this episode:• Lessons from being a professional utility player• Matt’s memories of Randy Johnson’s perfect game• Staying present and controlling negative self-talk• Why “preparation is always in season”• The ACE philosophy: Attitude, Concentration & Effort• What youth sports coaches should really be teaching• The problem with a win-at-all-costs mentality• How sports lessons translate into business and banking• Why character and relationships matter in lending• Matt’s connection to the Round Rock Express and Round Rock community Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    86. Matt Kata | Inside an MLB Career: Baseball, Mindset & Making It

  3. Aug 4

    85. Monica von Waaden | Fighting Child Hunger in Round Rock

    What does it take to build a nonprofit that feeds more than 5,000 children every week—without paying a single salary? In this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Monica von Waaden, founder of Hope Austin and Hope Round Rock, to discuss her extraordinary journey from special education teacher and attorney to leading one of Central Texas' most impactful organizations addressing child food insecurity. Monica shares how Hope Austin has evolved beyond traditional backpack programs by providing nutritious, protein-rich meals that help children learn, grow, and succeed in school. She explains why education and nutrition go hand in hand, the operational challenges of serving thousands of students across multiple school districts, and why every volunteer plays a vital role. The conversation also explores leadership, adapting through change, building community partnerships, succession planning in family businesses, and why serving others creates stronger communities for everyone. Whether you're a business owner, nonprofit leader, volunteer, or simply passionate about making a difference, this episode offers practical leadership lessons and an inspiring reminder of what communities can accomplish together. In this episode you'll learn: • Why nutrition is essential for educational success • How Hope Austin serves over 5,000 children every week • The leadership mindset behind a 100% volunteer-powered organization • Lessons on adapting, growing, and embracing change • How community partnerships create lasting impact • Ways you can volunteer and make a difference locally If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us highlight the people making Round Rock an incredible place to live and do business. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    85. Monica von Waaden | Fighting Child Hunger in Round Rock

  4. Jul 30

    84. Lucia Murguia | From El Paso to Round Rock: Lucia Murguia's Inspiring Leadership Journey

    What makes someone choose Round Rock, Texas over anywhere else? In this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Lucia Murguia to explore her remarkable journey—from growing up in El Paso and studying journalism at The University of Texas to building a successful career in engineering business development and becoming one of Round Rock's most passionate community leaders. Lucia shares how Leadership Round Rock transformed her perspective, why helping launch the Round Rock Young Professionals program has been so meaningful, and how finding her "tribe" in Round Rock changed both her personal and professional life. The conversation also takes a deeply personal turn as Lucia reflects on the loss of her beloved dog, Zoe, and how that experience inspired her to pursue entrepreneurship through the Round Rock Chamber's JumpStart program. Her story is a powerful reminder that even life's hardest moments can lead to new purpose. Whether you're a young professional, entrepreneur, community leader, or someone looking to make meaningful connections, Lucia's message is simple: Just show up. Why Lucia chose Round Rock over AustinFinding community through Leadership Round RockBuilding the Round Rock Young Professionals programTransitioning from journalism to engineering business developmentSupporting women in leadershipTurning personal loss into entrepreneurial purposeLessons from the Chamber's JumpStart programWhy "just showing up" can change your lifeIf you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who believes in building stronger communities. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio. In this episode:

    84. Lucia Murguia | From El Paso to Round Rock: Lucia Murguia's Inspiring Leadership Journey

  5. Jul 21

    83. Lindsay Shappee | From Corporate Burnout to Entrepreneurial Freedom

    What happens when a successful banking executive walks away from corporate America to build a roofing company? In this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Lindsay Shappee, co-owner of Family Friend Roofing & Construction, to discuss her remarkable transition from a successful career at JP Morgan into entrepreneurship. Lindsay opens up about burnout, finding purpose, honoring her family's legacy, and why building a business rooted in trust, relationships, and community has become her life's mission. She also shares how Family Friend Roofing is giving back to veterans, investing in Williamson County, and proving that business success comes from serving people first. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or someone considering a career change, Lindsay's story is filled with practical lessons and genuine inspiration. In this episode: • Leaving a successful banking career • The reality of corporate burnout • Starting Family Friend Roofing & Construction • Why reputation is everything in business • Growing through community involvement • Building company culture intentionally • Supporting veterans and local nonprofits • Women in business and entrepreneurship • Raising the next generation of leaders • Why success follows serving others If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, leadership, and building stronger communities, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    83. Lindsay Shappee | From Corporate Burnout to Entrepreneurial Freedom

  6. Jul 14

    82. Shannon Black | The Hiring Secrets Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

    What do a rattlesnake bite, building a successful Montessori school, and helping entrepreneurs launch thriving businesses have in common? In this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Shannon Black, Chair of SCORE Austin, entrepreneur, former educator, and business mentor, to discuss what it really takes to start, grow, hire, and eventually sell a successful business. Shannon shares her incredible story—from starting a Montessori school because she couldn't find the right one for her son, to growing it into two successful locations before selling the business. She also opens up about a recent rattlesnake bite that nearly kept her from recording this episode. Whether you're launching your first business or struggling to find great employees, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can use immediately. In this episode you'll learn:• Why Shannon started a business with no formal business background• How SCORE provides free mentoring for entrepreneurs• The biggest mistakes new business owners make• Hiring strategies that actually work in today's job market• The best day and time to post job openings• How SEO impacts your job listings• Simple interview questions that reveal the best candidates• Building a company culture that attracts and retains great employees• When it's time to make your first hire• Why being "firm and kind" creates better leaders If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or planning to start a company, this episode is full of actionable insights that can save you time, money, and frustration. Learn more about SCORE and find a free mentor at SCORE.org. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with another entrepreneur. #RockSolidPodcast #BryanEisenberg #SCORE #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Hiring #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #RoundRock #AustinBusiness #CompanyCulture #SmallBusinessTips #HiringEmployees #StartupAdvice Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    82. Shannon Black | The Hiring Secrets Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

  7. Jul 7

    81. Ennis Wright | A TikTok Insider Reveals How Small Businesses Can Grow Without Going Viral

    Is TikTok really just a dancing app for teenagers? Not anymore. On this episode of Rock Solid, host Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Round Rock native Ennis Wright, an account executive at TikTok, to uncover how businesses of every size can use TikTok to tell better stories, reach new audiences, and grow. After speaking at the Round Rock Chamber’s Founders Forum, Ennis shares the biggest misconceptions business owners have about TikTok — including the belief that “my customers aren’t there.” Bryan and Ennis discuss: • Why TikTok is becoming a powerful discovery platform• How storytelling beats traditional selling• Why businesses don’t need to go viral to succeed• How TikTok creates a “halo effect” across Google, websites, and other platforms• The difference between organic content, paid ads, creators, and TikTok Shop• How AI is making authentic storytelling even more valuable• Why local businesses — from banks to roofers to studios — should rethink their content strategy Ennis also shares his journey growing up in Round Rock, attending Stony Point High School, and watching the city transform into the thriving community it is today. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, marketer, or someone who still thinks TikTok “isn’t for you,” this conversation may change how you think about the future of social media and customer connection. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio.

    81. Ennis Wright | A TikTok Insider Reveals How Small Businesses Can Grow Without Going Viral

  8. Jun 30

    80. Kelly Moreno | How to Find, Train & Keep Great Employees in 2026

    Hiring is changing faster than ever—and many businesses aren't prepared. In this episode of Rock Solid, Bryan Eisenberg sits down with Kelly Moreno, Chief Solutions Officer at Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, to discuss the future of work, workforce development, AI, skilled trades, internships, apprenticeships, and the biggest hiring challenges facing employers today. Kelly shares how businesses can access free workforce resources, upskill employees, improve retention, connect with interns, and rethink outdated hiring practices. She also explains why parents, educators, and students should take a fresh look at career pathways beyond the traditional four-year college degree. Whether you're a business owner, HR leader, educator, parent, or job seeker, this conversation is packed with practical advice for navigating today's rapidly changing workforce. Why employers struggle to find qualified talentThe growing demand for skilled trades and manufacturing careersHow AI is changing the workforceApprenticeships vs. traditional college pathwaysTeacher externships and internship programsWorkforce retention strategies for employersFree workforce resources available to Texas businessesWhy job descriptions need a major updatePreparing students for careers that don't exist yetIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help more business leaders discover conversations that strengthen the Round Rock business community. Rock Solid is brought to you by host Bryan Eisenberg, a New York Times bestselling author, digital pioneer and co-owner of A Place At Home - North Austin, a Round Rock based home care agency. Bill Combes, owner of a local Round Rock digital marketing agency, No Time for Social. Brent Pierce, owner of Round Rock Studio, empowering local businesses to share their stories with his two podcast sets and state of the art photo studio. In this episode:

    80. Kelly Moreno | How to Find, Train & Keep Great Employees in 2026
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About

Join host Bryan Eisenberg for candid conversations with Round Rock’s most dynamic entrepreneurs and business leaders. Each week, in bite-sized 20-minute episodes, successful local business owners share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs of building thriving enterprises in our growing Texas community. Rock Solid connects you with the real stories and practical wisdom of Round Rock’s business community. From innovative startups to established companies, each episode offers valuable insights into the vibrant business ecosystem that makes Round Rock unique.

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